1856. PCGS graded Proof 65. CAC. PQ. Wonderful blue and russet toning on both sides. This is a low mintage early proof coin that spans the initial era at the Philadelphia Mint when proofs were struck in tiny numbers if at all, this being true until the early 1850s. Demand and availability shifted right as these 1856 half dimes in proof were struck, with a total of 50 pieces being coined, far higher than a typical proof coin run of the prior years, but nowhere near the 100s seen struck just a few years later. Hence this is one of the first "available" (in a relative sense) dates for a collector to obtain, with much larger and more consistent mintages starting in 1859. The diagnostics of this rare proof included the final two digits of the date that look somewhat crushed or flattened, but the strong depth of mint frost on the devices and deep reflectivity are perfectly preserved. All these 1856 half dimes show this unusual crushed feature on the date. A coin that is at least one point undergraded. Only 50 pieces struck. Pop 2; 6 finer at PCGS. (PCGS # 4434) <DOTLEADER> Estimated Value $7,000 - UP
